Flow device



y 1941- R. E. MILLICAN 2,241,643

FLOW DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 1, 1939 y 13, 1941- f R. "E. MlLLICAN FLOW DEVICE Filed April 1, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet Z ,dependent on a of lifting gas at a minimum pressure.

. gas canenter the :vide' an improved flow device adapted to close the bore of' the Patented May 1 3, 1941 UNITED v STATE s PATENT oF icE FLOW DEVICE Roy E. four Meredith, Dallas, Tex.

. A ummnawfl 1. ma.

Millicam-Dallas; Ten, assignor and one-fourth per cent to of ,nftv- Carlton Serial No. 266,414

21 Claims. (cl. its-sea) This invention relates to new and useful immovements in flow devices.

the invention is to provide an Oneobject of improved flow device for controlling the admission of an auxiliary lifting fluid, such asagas or air into a well liquid column, whereby said column is lifted or raised to the surface by said fluid.

An important object of the invention is to pro 7 vide an improved flow device for controlling the admission of a lifting gas into a liquid and having means associated therewith for preventing a back flow of liquid downwardly through the tubing during operation of the device, whereby 'once the liquid is lifted upwardly past the device.

it cannot fail downwardly ment providing for a true thereby; the arrangestage lift when a pluthe incominggas in the event that the pressuretubing, the check is closed to cause the well liquid to by-pass therearoundthrough the now device,

said check being constructed. so as to automatically swing to an open position and shut off rality of jets for creating a suction to draw the well liquids upwardly therethrough, the admittance of lifting gas to said means being controlled rality of said devices are connected in the tubing string at various elevations therein.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improvedilow device, wherein the admittance of the lifting gas is controlled by a spring-pressed element which has one end exposed to the lifting gas pressure whereby the pressure at which the gas is admitted may be accurately controlled by varying the tension of the spring and also whereby the plunger is not differential in pressures between the lifting gas and the well liquid for its operation;

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved flow device, of the character described, having means for admitting a lifting gas into the'well tubing in such manner as to draw the well liquid through the device and then force the same upwardly through the tubing thereabove, whereby a suction, rather than a pushingaction is employed for starting and flowing of the well liquid, which not only facilitates initial starting to continueeflicient flow with a minimum amount A further object of the invention is to provide an improved flow device for well liquid is present adjacent. the flow device, no

tubing regardless of the position of the operating parts of said device, thus preserving the lifting gas pressure and maintain-,

until needed.

of the invention is to pro- ,including, a swinging the same Still another object me check valve tubing and associated with the lifting gas inlet flowing well liquids,- wherein a float operated valve is associated with .7 the lifting gas inlet, whereby'in the event no of the flow but makes it-possible with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and

wherein:

Figure 1 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, and showing a tubing string having a plurality of flow devices, constructed in accordance with the invention, mounted therein,

' Figure 2 is a side elevation of the flow device, Figure 3 is a plan view thereof, Figure 4 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a horizontaL'cross-sectional view,

taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken on the line H of Figure 2,

Figure 'I is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 3, and illustrat-' ing the valve plunger in its lowered position with the check valve open,

Figure 8 is a similar view with the plunger raised and the check valve closed,

Figure 9 is a similar view showing the'plunger' I and the check in an intermediate position,

Figure 10 is also a similar .view with the check valve open and the plunger in an intermediate I position,

Figure -11 is a transverservertical, sectional view of the inlet tube assembly and taken on the line Il-il of Figure 3,

Figure 12 is an isometric view :of the control Figure 13 is an isometric view of the admission tube assembly,

plunger, whereby when-gas is flowing into the P18 1 14 i8 3 Partial isometric view of they valve sleeve which controls flow into the admission tube assembly,

Figure 15 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of a modified form of the invention,

Figure id is a plan view of the parts shown in Figure 16,

Figure 17 isa horiz ntal, cross-sectional view taken on the line l1-l' of Figure 15,

Figure 18 isia horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line Il-IB of Figure 15,

Figure 19 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line lS-l! of Figure 15, and

Figure 20 is a transverse, vertical sectional view taken on the line 20-20 Figure 15.

This application is filed as a continuation-la part of prior application flled' June 16, .1938, Serial No. 214,019, and now abandoned.

In the drawings, the numeral ll designates.

an ordinary well casing which extends vertically through the well bore. A casing head II or any suitable construction s mounted on the upper end oi the casing at the surface and is provided the usual radially extending conductor l2, whereby communication with the interior of the casing may be established. The well tubing 33 extends axially through the well casing to the lower end of the well bore and has the usual well screen or perforated section oi pipe II at its lower end. Immediately above the well screen a well packer II is adapted to be set, whereby the annular space between the well tubing and the well casing may be sealed oil. It

is pointed out that the packer is shown schematically and may be of any desired construction since it iorms no part of the present invention.

In carrying out the invention, a plurality of llow devices A are connected in the tubing string at various elevations therein. A lifting fluid, such as gas or air under pressure, is introduced through the pipe I: into the casing i0 and this the annular space between the tubing and the casing above the packer it. The flow. devices A, as will be hereinafter explained, control the admittance of this lifting gas into the interior or here well l3, whereby the well fluid within. said tubing may be lifted to the surface. flow device A is coupled in the tubing string by means of the usual coupling collars 16;

Each flow device A includes an elongate cylindrical housing 261 which has its upper and lower ends externally screw-threaded so as to receive,

the couplings le. An elongate tubular body or cylinder 25 is preferably formed integral with the housing as and extends radially therefrom, as is clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4. A tubulee" sleeve 22 is also formed integral with the projects radially therefrom at an angle difierent from the angle at which. the cylinder projects, whereby said sleeve is spaced from said cylinder. Located between the cylinder 2i and the sleeve 22 is a vertical, cylindrical float her 28, which, as is clearly shown in it g e, is preferably formed integral with the cylinder and with the sleeve. The upper ends 0! the cylinder 2! and the sleeve 22 are connected to the exterior surface 01' the housing 20 by ini ed webs 24, which obviate the flow device .r-' 1 on couplings or other projections within the casing, as said device islowered through the with the well tubing l3.

The cylinder it has a vertical bore 25 extending entirely therethrough and a tubular plunger 25 is slidable within the bore. Downward movement oil the plunger within said bore is limited by an annular nut Z'l which is threaded into the lower end oi said bore and. obviously, when the plunger is in its lowermost position, as shown in Figure 7, the presume exteriorly or! the cylinder may act against the lower end of the plunger through the bore 28 of the nut 21. The upper end or the cylinder II is closed by is cap nut 2! and a coiled spring ll is confined between this nut and the plunger 2!. The axial bore II 01' the plunger terminates short of the lower end thereof and extends upwardly through said plunger to the upper end thereof. The upper portion 01' the bore 3! is enlarged to provide an annular shoulder I! within the plunger and the lower and ot the coiled spring 30 rests on this shoulder. Manifestly, the coiled spring constantly exerts its pressure to urge therplunger to its lowermost position, as shown in Figure 7. The lower end or the bore ll of said plunger communicates with the exterior of said plunger through a radial port 33 and the external diameter oi theplunger is reduced immediately adjacent said port, whereby an annular space It is formed between said plunger and the bore of the cylinder. when the plunger is in ts lowermost position, the port it is substantially opposite a radial port ll which extends through the wall of the housing I. and into the bore of said housing. Therefore, when the plunger is in its lowermost position, communication may be established between the bore of said plunger and the bore of the housing and tubing ll in which said housing is connected. as will be explained.

Above the passage II, the .bore oi the housing 20 communicates with the bore II of the cylinder through a radial opening 3]. Intermediate its ends, the plunger II is slotted as shown at 31 and this slot coacts witha valve disk or member 38, as will now be explained. The valve member ll includes a split seating disk ll which is secured to a transversely extending bar Ill. The bar has one end extending through the opening II and is formed with a collar ll through which a pivot pin or bolt 42 extends. Beyond the pin, the collar is formed with a lug 48 and this lug is disposed within the slot 37 of the plunger 28.

Manii'estly, the valve disk I. is pivotally mounted within the bore of the housing and when the plunger is in its lowermost position, as shown in Figure 7, the disk is swung upwardly into a recess it provided for receiving said disk. In this position, the disk is completely out of the bore and does not restrict a now through the housing. when the plunger 28 is moved to its raised position, as shown in Figure 8, the lower end of the slot 31 acting against the lug swings the valve disk downwardly across the bore of the housing II. The valve disk is adapted to engage an annular bevelled seat '4! formed within the interior' oi the housing 20' been introduced into said casing through the pipe I! and when said pressure is suiiicient to lift the plunger II against the tension or the coiled spring ll, said tothepositionshownlnFigurefl. Inthisposition, the lower end or the plunger moves upwardly above a lateral gas inlet port plunger moves upwardly 4C. This chamber. ",W

port, as is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 5, extends from the bore 25 into the bore 41 of the float chamber 22. Therefore, whenthe plunger is lifted to its uppermost position, the inlet port 46 is uncovered to per- .mit a flow oi the lifting gas into the bore of the cylinder 2| and then into the bore 41 of the float chamber 22. A lateral port a leads from. the opposite side of the bore 41 of said float chamber to the bore of the sleeve,

whereby the lifting gas may flow to the sleeve 22. For controlling the flow of the lifting gas through the bore 41 of the float chamber 23, a piston valve (Figure 6). This piston valve is formed with an annular groove 40 which is located near its lower end and when said valve is in its raised position, this groove is alined with the ports 48 and 46a, whereby gas flowing through the port 48 may enter and pass around the annular groove 48 and then into the port 48a, from where it may flow to the interior of the sleeve 22. when the piston valve is in a lowered position,

the annular groove or channel 49 is below the ports 46 and a. and flow therebetween is shut oil.

The upper end of the bore 41 is enlarged as shown at and an elongate tubular float II is operable withinthe enlarged portion of said bore. The lower end of the float is connected by a link 42 with the piston valve and, manite'stly, the position of the float within its chamber controls the position of the valve. The bore of thefloat chamber 23 communicates with the interior or the housing through a trio oi pas- "sages H, which are located at the upper and lower ends and intermediate said ends of the ith this arrangement, the well liquids which rise within the housing 20 may readily pass into the float chamber and thereby actuate said float. The provision oi the ports I8 above and below the piston valve equalizes the pressure across said valve whereby when no liquid is present within 45 the float chamber, the weight of the float and piston valve moves the latter to its lowered position.- Also, equalization of pressures across the piston valve makes for easier movement 0! said valve since, under such conditions, the float 50 need only hit the weight of the valve. when there is aliquid within the bore 01 the housing 28, such liquid is also present within the float chamber 23, with the result that the float is in its raised position. In such position, the piston valve 44 is raised and its groove 48 is alined with the gas inlet ports, 44 and "a. In such position, an operation or the plunger 2i which raises said plunger to its uppermost position,

permits a flow of lifting gas from the casing I ll w through the ports 48 and 48a and into thesleeve 22. manifestly, ii there is no liquid within the bore of the housing 28, the float .is in its loweredposition and the piston valve is also lowered, whereby its annular groove 49 is misalined with theinlet ports 4 and 40a. In such position, there can be no flow of lifting gas into the sleeve 22. Therefore, .the provision of the float and its valve 44 assure that's liquid will be present within the housing 20 before any lifting gas can be admitted thereto.

The inlet port 46a communicates with the lower end 0! the bore 84 o! the sleeve 22. The

bore 4 extends axially throughout the length 7g of the cylinder 2| w 8 is slidable within the bore 41 5 the tubing and enter 4 the sleeve 22. This assembly includes a lower Jet plug 55 which is insertable within the bore. The plug is formed with an external annular. flange 56 which abuts the lower end of the sleeve and limits the upward movement thereinto. The intermediate portion oi the outer surface of the plug is reduced to provide an annular passage or channel 51 between the outer surface of said plug and the bore 54 of the sleeve. This channel is located opposite the inlet port 460, whereby the gas entering the bore of the sleeve 22 enters the channel 51. A diametrically extending passage 58 is formed in the plug and this passage communicates with the annular space '51. A reduced axial duct" extends upwardly from the transverse passage 58 to the upper end 01 the plug 55. With this arrangement, it will be seen that the incoming or admitted gas may flow into the lateral passage 58 and then upwardly through the reduced duct 59.

A second jet plug 80 is threaded onto the upper end of the plug 65 and the lower end 01 the bore of this plug is enlarged, whereby an internal shoulder BI is formed therein. When the plug 60 is screwed onto the plug 55, the shoulder ii is spaced from the top 01- the plug 55 so as to provide a chamber 62 immediately above the upper end of the plug 55. A plurality of radial orifices 62 are provided in the plug 60 and communicate with the chamber 62. The external diameter 0! the plug 60 is less than the diameter of the bore 54 of the sleeve, whereby an annular space S is provided around the plug 80. This annular space communicates with the bore oi the housing 20 through a radial port E4, whereby well liquids from the interior of the housing may enter the bore of the sleeve around the. plug it.

The admitted gas which flows upwardly through the reduced duct 59 of the plug 55 enters the chamber and passes upwardly therethrough, escaping thereiromthrough an axial duct 65 which is termed in the plug 00 and which extends upwardly from the chamber 02. The duct 65 is of a slightly larger diameter than the duct 58, whereby no, restriction of the upwardly flowing gas is produced. It will be obvious that since the gas is entering under a relatively high pressure, this gas flowing upwardly through the duct 58 and through the duct 65 will create a auction in the chamber 82.

Connected to the upper plug it is an elongate tube 68, which is i'ormecl with an axial bore 61. The lower end of the bore is enlarged to form an annular shoulder within the tube and this shoulder is normally spaced from the top oi the plug 80, whereby a chamber as is fanned immediately above said plug. This chamber is similar to the chamber 62 formed within the plug 69 and has a plurality of radial orifices 5Q communicating therewith. As the gas flows upwardly through the axial duct 6d, it enters the bore GI 01 the tube 88. This upwardly flowing gas, through its jetting action, creates a suction in the chamber 59.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that the admitted lifting gas which flows upwardly through the plugs 55 and and the tube it creates a suction within the chambers 62 and it. when the oriflces l3 and 10, leading from said chambers. are open, this auction serves to draw the well liquids from the bore of the body well liquids are admixed with the upwardly moving gas and pass upwardly through the bore ll of the tube.

For controlling the fiow through the orifices andto hold said orifices closed until the suction created by the gas flowing upwardly through the delivery-tube assembly is sumcient to draw well liquids from the well tubing string, whereby the gas will not how through the orifices I] and II and downwardly through the tubing string, a valve sleeve a surrounds the plug I and lower end 01' the tube 80, being disposed within the annular space S. This sleeve is clearly shown in Figure 14 and is provided with an annular groove "ID at the upper end of its bore. This groove communicates through radial openings lie with vertical grooves 10d which are formed in the outer surface of the sleeve. Depending legs 'Ile are formed on the lower end of the sleeve above the port ll.

The weight of the sleeve maintains the same in its lower position, as shown in Figure 11, in

which position the orifices 83 are covered, while the orifices III are uncovered. These latter orifices do not communicate with the port because the sleeve 10a is within the annular space 8. As

gas is admitted to the admission or delivery tube acts on the well liquid in the bore of the tubing string and.draws said liquid into the delivery (0 tube assembly. This liquid is admixed with the gas and is i'orced upwardly through the bore i'l oi the tube.

The upper end of the bore of said tube is enlarged to provide an internal annular shoulder H and normally a ball I2 is seated on this shoulder. The upwardly flowing gas, having the well liquids which have been drawn into the gas stream admixed therewith, will strike the ball 12 and unseat the same,.torcing said ball upwardly to the top of the tube and into contact with a plug 13 which closes said tube.

From the upper end, of the tube 68, the gas and well liquids will escape through radial openings 14 provided in the tube. Ai'ter passing through the openings 14, the gas having the well liquids admixed therewith will fiow through a plurality of inlet ports 15 which establish communication between the bore of the sleeve 22 and the'bore oi the housing 20. In this manner, it will be obvious that the upwardly fiowing gas draws the well liquids from the housing through the port 84, carriesit through the assembly B and ejects it through the openings 1! into the bore of the housing. It is pointed out that the port 84 is below the valve seat 48 on which -the disk SI seats,

while the openings 15 are above said seat.

In the operation of the device, the control s irals the lug 43' and the slot 31. it will also teassumed that the liquid has risen in the well tubing and is within the housing II. This well liquid will enter the port I! of the fioat chamber 23, causing said host to rise to its uppermost position (Figure 6) and moving the piston valve ll upwardly so that its channel II is alined with the gas inlet P rts I and a;

' The lilting gas under a suitable pressure is introduced through the pipe I! into the bore of the well casing II and fiows downwardly within said casing. When the pressure of the lifting gas within the casing reaches a point sufiicient to overcome the tension 01' the spring ll. said gas will impart an upward movement to the plunger 2 6, moving said plunger to the position shown in Figure 8. Such "swings the valvedisk I! downwardly into enand normally rest on" the external shoulder of go .the plug II to hold the lower end of the sleeve gagement with its seat ll. whereby the bore of the housing 2| isclosad. Upward movement of the plunger 2| also uncovers the gas inlet port ll and said gas may fiow through said port. I

Since the float is holding the piston valve ll in a raised position, the gas flowing through the port It enters the annular channel 4! in the valve 48 and passes into the port a. 'lirom this port, the gas fiows into the annular channel ll (Figure 11) whichis formed around the plug II in the lower end oi the bore of the sleeve 22.

From this annular space, the gas enters the diametrically extending passage '8 and then how upwardly through the duct II and duct I and into and through the bore 61 of the tube 00. The

upwardly fiowing gas, which is under a relatively high pressure, produces a jetting action which creates a suction at the orifices II and 10, which orifices are normally out 01' communication with v the well tubing becauseoi the lowered position of the valve sleeve "a. When the suction created reaches a predetermined point, the sleeve Ila is lifted, whereby well liquids are drawn from the bore of the housing through the port 64', orifices "and II, and into the bore 8! of the tube OI. It is noted that the well liquids which are drawn into the assembly B are those which are below the closed check valve ll. These liquids are then ejected from the tube through, the openings I4 and are then admitted into the housing 2| above the check valve "through the ports II. In this manner, the lifting gas acts to draw the well liquids from below the check valve and to force them upwardly above the check valve. The assembly B provides a by-pass for the wellliquids to fiow around the closed check valve.

It is pointed out that through the jetting-action the liquids are drawn into the assembly B and are then ejected upwardly and lifted to the surface through the well tubing l8. By utilizing a suction, it is obvious that the liquids are pulled from the tubing rather than therethrough. This action facilitates starting of the now and requires less gas to begin the movement of the liquid column.

In the event that the well liquid below the. check valve 38 is under a sumcient pressure to fiow upwardly without the aid or the auxiliary lifting ga's,

plunger 26 and the check valve 38 are in the position shown in Figure 7. It will be assumed that, at this time, there is no gas in the well casing and the coiled vspring I0 has moved the plunger 2" to its lowermost position. Such movement .oi

the plunger has caused the valve disk 38 to be swung upwardly due to the connection between sure will be sufiicient to unseat the valve ll. as shown in Figure 9, whereby said valve is moved upwardly a sufficient distance to permit the well liquids to flow upwardly thereby. The upward swinging or the check valve will cause the lug II on said valve, acting on the slot 81 in the plunger 2!, to move said plunger downwardly a sumcient upward movement oithe plunger pushed upwardly v such pressure will obviously act against the underside oi the valve 38. This pres-' tubing until such is admitted may the admission oi additional gas is cut off. Thus, it will be seen that it the well liquids are under a sufllcient pressure to flow normally then the gas is automatically cut oil and the check valve is raised to permit such normal upward flow.

When the well liquid below the valve has been lifted, said liquid will oi! course have been emptied from the float chamber 23. Such emptying oi the float chamber will cause the float Ii to move downwardly, whereby its piston valve 49 is moved downwardly to misaline the channel 49 with the inlet ports 46 and 46a. Such misalinement oi the ports will immediately shut ofithe gas supply and no further gas will be admitted into the time as the liquid column therein has again built up and has entered the float chamber to again raise the float When it is desired to shut down the flow, it

is only necessary to relieve the pressure within the well casing sufliciently to permit the coiled spring 30 to lower the control plunger 29 to the position shown in Figure 10. The plunger will not move to its completely lowered position, as shown in Figure 7, because in all probability,

there will be a liquid column above the check valve 38 which is closed and such liquid column will be holding said check in such closed position. The spring 39 will be insuiilcient to lift said check against the weight or such column. When the parts are in this position, with the gas pressure in the casing relieved, the liquid above the check valve may flow downwardly through the openings 29 within which the pivot pin 42 of said valve is mounted. This liquid will then enter the bore of the cylinder 2|, such entrance being permitted because the reduced portion of the plunger 26 is opposite the opening 39- Thus the liquid above the check valve may pass downwardly into the bore oi! the cylinder 2! and then flow back into the housing 29 below the check valve throughthe radial passage which communicates with the lower portion of the cylinder bore. After the lifting gas pressure has been relieved for some time, all or the liquid above the check valve will flow downwardly around said check, or the pressure above and below will be equalized. When such equalization occurs, the coiled spring 90, being sufllcient to swing the weight or the check, will swing said check to the position shown in Figure '7, moving the plunger 29 to its lowermost position. The device is now ready for the next operation when the lifting gas is again introduced into the casing. From the above, it will be seen that a simple and efllcient device for controlling the admission of a lifting gas into the well liquid in the-tubing I3 is provided. The plunger 26, which controls the admission of gas to the sleeve 22, is actuated solely by the pressure of the lifting gas acting against its lower end, the movement.

of the plunger being resisted by the coiled spring 90. The pressure of the well liquid does not enter into the operation of the plunger and, therefore, by varying the pressure of the spring 90, an accurate control of the point at which gas be had. It is pointed out that it might be possible to eliminate the float ii, together with its piston valve 49. In this case, the entire float chamber 23 would be omitted and the passages 48 and 49a connected to each other. The float may be eliminated in wells where there is a constant'flow or well liquid upwardly in the well tubing due to the natural conditions of the well. In this type oi well, the well liquid may be at a level a iew hundred feet below the surface and, although the conditions oi the well raise the liquid to such level, they are insufllcient to bring said liquid completely to the surface. In such event, there would always be the well liquid within the housing 20 and there would be no necessity of providing the float. In this instance, gas would be constantly admitted to the well tubing through each flow device A, except where the well liquid is moving sufliciently fast upwardly through the tubing tolift the check 38, in which 'event said check would move the plunger to its lowermost position to shut oi! the gas from this lower portion or the block 9| and one end of thebore communicates with the exterior of the housing 89 through a radial port or opening 83. A control plunger or piston 84 is slidably mounted within the bore 82 and a coiled spring 85, which is confined between the wall of the housing lid and one end of the piston, constantly urges said piston toward the port or opening 83. The piston is provided with an annular groove 86 which is arranged to be engaged by a spring-pressed ball 81 which is mounted within a vertical opening 89 provided in the block 8i. When the ball isengaging the groove 586, the piston is irictionally locked against movement in the bore. In order to move the piston, it is necessary that the frictional pressure of the ball 81, together with the resistance of the spring 85, be overcome. The provision oi! the ball provides for a snap action or sudden movement of the piston. Adjacent the groove 86, the exterior surface of the piston is formed with an annular groove or recess 99 which extends completely therearound.

When the piston is moved inwardly of the bore 82, the annular channel or groove 89 is adapted to register with an axial vertical bore 90 which extends upwardly through the block 8| from the bore 82. A plug 9i closes the upper end or the bore 90 and is provided 'with a reduced axial duct 92 which extends therethrough.

The lifting gas from the casing it is arganged to pass to the axial bore at in the block through a pair of diametrically opposite inlet openings 93, which openings are provided in the block 8| and are located at a right angle to the dia-' metrically extending bore 82 (Figur 19). An

inlet collar 94 is threaded through the wall of the housing 80 and engages in the outer'portion of each inlet port 93 and said collar provides a means for holding the block 9! in proper position within the housing. Each inlet port or passage 93 is intersected by a vertical bore 95 within which a piston valve 99 is movable. v

The valve 99 is formed with an annular channel or groove 91 which is located near its lower end and said valve has connection with an annular float 98 which is slidable within the housing below the block 8|. When the float 98 is in its uppermost position, the piston valves 99 are in their uppermost position as shown in Figure 20.

In such position, the groove 97 of each valve shoulder I95 within the bore of said tube.

communicates or is in alinement with its inlet port 99, whereby the gas from the casing may enter the port and flow around the channel 91 in the valve. From the channel, the gas flows to the inner 'end of each port '99 and then I bore 92 of the cylinder, then through the annular groove 99 in the piston and upwardly through the bore 99 and duct 92. Of course, if the piston is in its outer position, its groove 99 is misalined with the bore 99 and the inlet ports 99, with the result that the gas is shut oil. Also, if the float is in a lowered position, the grooves 91 of the piston valves 99 are misalined with the ports 99, whereby the flow of gas through said ports is prevented.

The well liquid in the tubing will, of course, rise upwardly into the bore of the housing 89 and will act upon the annular float 99. This liquid will then flow upwardly through a plurality of vertical passages 99 which are formed in the block 9I, whereby said liquid may enter the space above said block. It is noted that when the liquid is at a level even with the block 9I I or thereabove, the float 99 is in its uppermost which has an elongate tube I92 mounted therein. i It is preferable that screw threads be formed on the exterior of the tube, whereby the same may be threaded into the partition and an external annular flange I99 on said tube limits the downward movement thereof. The tube is formed with an axial bore I99 which extends entirely therethrough and the lower end of this bore'is enlarged to provide an internal annular The extreme lower end of the bore of the tube I92 is screw-threaded and receives a plug I 98, which plug is provided with an axial duct I91 extending entirely therethrough. The upper end of the plug I99 is spaced from the shoulder I95 within the tube, whereby a chamber I99 is formed above the plug. A plurality of orifices I99 extend radially through the wall of the tube and communicate with the chamber I99. The lower end of the plug I99 is spaced a slight distance from the plug 9I which is mounted in the upper end of the axial bore 99 of the block 9|. valve H9 is pivoted to the upper end of the 7 tube and is adapted to close the bore I94 there- In the operation of this form, it will be assumed that the parts are in the position shown in Figure 15. As the well liquid rises within also under the frictional engagement of the ball 91 with the groove 99 of said piston. This pressure acts against the end of the piston through the ports 93, as has been explained.

When the piston moves inwardly, its annular channel or groove 99 is alined with the axial bore 99 of the block, as well as with the inner ends of the inlet ports 99. Since the piston valves 99 have been previously moved to their uppermost position, the lifting gas may enter the inlet ports 93 and flow into the annular groove 99 in the piston. From this point, the gas flows upwardly through the axial bore 99 of the block 9I, then throughthe bore of the plug I99 and finally through the bore of the tube I92.

Since the lower end of the plug I99 is spaced from the plug 9|, a jetting action is created at this point, whereby the well liquids are sucked into the bore I 91 of the plug by the upwardly moving lifting gas. A second jetting action is created at the orifices I99 and additional well liquid is pulled into the bore of the tube I92. This well liquid is admixed with the upwardly moving lifting gas and, manifestly, the flap valve II9 will be opened to permit the fluid to rise upwardly through the well tubing above the housing 99. The operation is substantially the same as in the first form.

In the event that a certain head of well liquid flows upwardly through the well tubing and through the passages 99in the block 9I, it is probable that the bore of the tube I92 is insufficient to take care of this increase amount of well fluid. In such instance, the well fluid or liquid will pass upwardly through a plurality of ports III which are formed in the partition I99. These ports are normally closed by flap valves II 2 which will, of course, be lifted by the upwardly through the ports III and need not pass ,7

through the tube assembly.

After the well liquid has been lifted above the partition I99, said liquid cannot fall downwardly through the housing because the flap valves H9 and H2 will automatically close. In this manner, once the well liquid is lifted to a given level, said liquid will remain at such level until additional lifting gas is introduced. It is pointed out that under normal flowing conditions, the well liquid is carried up through the tube assembly and forced upwardly through the tubing above the housing 99. It is only when an excess amount of fluid under an excessive pressure passes into the housing that said well liquid flows upwardly through the ports III in the partition I99. In order to facilitate operation of the piston 94, which controls the admission of the lifting gas, a suitable elongate vent tube III may extend upwardly from one end of the bore 92, through the partition I99 and into the upper portlon of the housing 89. The operation and advantages of the modified form are substantially the same as those of the first form, hereinbefore dsecribed. Of course, all of the control mechanism is mounted within the bore of the housing and the well liquid is by-passed around said mechanism through the passages 99. In the first form, the control mechanism, including the plunger 26, and the admission tube assembly B, is located outside of the bore of the housing 29.

The foregoing description ofthe invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. I

What I claim; and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tub lar housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet, an admission tube assembly within said inlet for introducing the gas into the tubing, said assembly having means establishing communication with the interior of the housing whereby liquid is drawn from the tubing by the gas flowing through the assembly, means at the upper and of the assembly establishing communicai-an between the assembly and tubing thereabove, whereby the liquid is carried through the assembly and ejected back into the tubing with the inflowing gas, and a springpressed plunger also disposed within the gas inlet for controlling the admittance oi the lifting gas into said assembly.

2. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission of t:.e gas into the housing for closing the bore of said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby the gasflowing through the assembly will act upon the well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, and a springpressed plunger for controlling the admittance of the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly.

3. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housingadapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission oi the gas into the housing for closing the bore oi said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby the gas flowing through the assembly will act upon the well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance oi the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, and means for connecting the plunger with the closure means, whereby said means is closed when the plunger is in a position permitting admittance of gas to the inlet passage.

4. A flow device including, a wall ,tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore oi. said housing, .an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby ,the gas flowing throughthe assembly will act upon the well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closureand flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure wher'eby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance of" the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, and meansyfor connecting the plunger with th closure means, whereby said means is closed when the plunger is in a position permitting admittance or gas tothe inlet passage, said closure being capable 'of being swung upwardly by the well liquid therebelow to allow upward flow oi said liquid thereby when said liquid has sufilcient pressure to flow without the aid of additional'liiting gas, such swinging or the closure moving the plunger to shut oil the admittance of gas.

5. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission of the gas into the a housing for closing the bore of said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage fcr conducting the gas into the tubing above the closuremeans, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby the gas flowing through theassembly will act upon the well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance of the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, and a float operated valve located in the inlet passage between the plunger and the tube as sembly and subject to the well liquid in the housing for automatically closing said passage to prevent admission of gas when no liquid is present inthe housing.

6. A flow device including, a well tubing, a

tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore oi said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means. said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby the gas flowing through the assembly will act upon thewell liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pess the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance of the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, means for connecting'the plunger with the closure means, whereby said means is closed when the plunger is in a position permitting admittance of gas to the inlet passage, and a float operated valve located in the inlet passage between the plunger and the tube assembly and mission of gas when no liquid is present in the housing.

7. A flow device including, a well tubing, a

tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore of said housing, an

admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior or the housing below said closure means, means in the assembly for increasing the velocity of the through the assembly, means establishing com-' munication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, and a spring-pressed plunger tor controlling the admittance o! the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, said plunger having one end thereof exposed to the gas pressure, whereby it is moved to an open position when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure sufilcient to overcome the reslstance o! the spring.

8. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission oi the gas into the housing for closing the bore 0! said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior oi the housing below said closure means, means in the assembly for increasing the velocity 01' the gas so that said gas flows through the assembly at a relatively high' velocity, whereby the gas flowing through the assembly will act upon the well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, 9. spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance o! the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, said plunger having one end thereof exposed to the gas pressure, whereby it is moved to an open position when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure sufllcient to overcome the resistance o! the spring, and means for connecting the plunger with the closure means, whereby said means is closed when the plunger is in a position permitting admittance of gas to the inlet passage.

9. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point 01' admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore of said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior oi the housing below said closure means, means in the assembly !or increasing the velocity of the gas so that said gas flows through the assembly at a relatively high velocity, whereby the gas flowingthrough the assembly will act upon the tubular housing adapted to be well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closure and ilow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance of the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, said plunger having one end thereof exposed to the gas pressure, whereby it is moved to an open position when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure sufllcient to overcome the resistance of the spring, means for connecting the plunger with the closure means, whereby said means is closed when the plunger is in a position permitting admittance or gas to the inlet passage and, also whereby when'said closure means is swung by the well liquid pressure therebeneath the plunger is moved to shut oi! the gas, and

means for equalizing the pressures on each side of the closure means when the gas pressure outside the houslng is relieved, whereby said closure may be swung to an open position by the springpressed plunger to open the bore of the housing. 10. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to .be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, a closure below the point of admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore of said hous-' ing, an admission tube assembly in the passage for conducting the lilting gas into the tubing above the closure, said assembly having communication with the interior of the tubing below the closure and having means therein for creating a suction in the tubing below the closure to draw the well liquid from the interior of the housing into and through the assembly, means !or establishing communication between the assembly and housing above the closure whereby the liquid is directed outwardly into the housing above the closure, and a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance oi the lifting gas into the passage and tube assembly.

11. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, a closure below the point of admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore of said housing, an admission tube assembly in the pasage for conducting the lifting gas into the tubing above the closure, said assembly having communication with the interior of the tubing below the closure and having means therein for creating a suction in the tubing below the closure to draw the well liquid from the interior of the housing into and through the assembly, means for establishing communication between the assembly and housing above the closure whereby the liquid is directed outwardly into the housing above the closure, and a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance or the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, said plunger having one end thereo! exposed to the gas pressure, whereby it is moved to an open position when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure willcient to overcome the resistance or the spring.

12. A flow device including, a well tubing, a connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, a closure below the point of admission or the gas into the housing for closing the bore of said housing, an admission tube assembly in the passage for conducting the lifting gas into the tubing above the closure, said assembly having communication with the interior of the tubing below low the inlet'port for closing the bore of the the closure and having means therein for creathousing, an, elongate sleeve mounted on the exing a suction in the tubing below the closure-fto. 'terior of the housing and having the upper end draw the well liquid from the interior of the 1, .ofits'bore communicating with the interiortof housing into and through the assembly, means, '5 'thehousing through the gas inlet port, an admisfor establishing co unication between the assion tube assembly mounted within the sleeve, sembiy and housing abovethe closure whereby means for establishing communication between the liquid is directed outwardly intothe housing the lower endof the bore of the sleeve and the 7 above the closure, a spring-pressed plunger for interior of the housing below the check valve,-a controlling the admittance of the lifting gas to 10 jet arrangement within the assembly whereby gas the inlet passage and tube assembly, said plungflowing through theassembly creates av suction er having. one end thereof exposed to the gas-1. in the tubing below the check'valve and causes pressure, whereby itis moved to an. open osi- I well liquid from below the check valve to flow tion when the gas reaches a predetermined p'resthrough the assembly to by-pass said valve, asure sufllcient to overcome the resistance of the 1 sprin -P P 1 8 1 f r c ntrolling the admitspring, means for connecting the plunger with tance of the lifting gas to the tube assembly, the closure means, whereby said means is closed and means for connecting the plunger to the when the plungeris in' a position permitting adcheck valve whereby the valve is closed when the mlttance of gas to the inlet passage and also plunger is in position admitting the lifting gas whereby when said closure means is swung by to the assembly. and also whereby the admittance the well liquid pressure therebeneath the plunger of gas is shut off when the check is swung to an is moved to shut off the gas, andmeans for open positio equalizing the pressures on each side of the clo- 16. A flow device including, a well tubing, a sure means when the gas pressure outside the tubular housing adapted to be connected in the housing is relieved, whereby said closure may. be well tubing and having a gas inlet port, a swing-' swung to an open position by the spring-pressed ing check valve mounted within the housing beplunger'to open the bore of the housing. low the inlet port for closing the bore of the- 13. A flow device including, a well tubing, a housing, an elongate sleeve mounted on the extubular housing adapted to be connected in the terior of the housing and having-the upper end well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, 9, of its bore communicating with the interior of closure below the point of admission of the gas the housing through the gas inlet port, an adinto the housing for closing the bore of said housmission tube assembly mounted within the sleeve, ing, an admission tube assembly in the passage means .for establishing communication between for conducting the lifting gas into the tubingv the lower end of the bore of the sleevev and the above the closure, said assembly having cominterior of the housing below the check valve, 9. munication with the interior of the tubing below l t ar an within h a s ly wh by as the closure and having means for creating a sucfl w ough the assembly creates a suction tion in the tubing below the closure to draw the in the tubing below the checkv valve and causes well liquid from the interior of the housing into well liquid rom b l w the check valve tofiow and through the assembly, means for establishing throu h th a e y to by-pass idr ive, a communication between the assembly and houspri -P P un r or n r ll ng the ading above the closure whereby the liquid is dlmittance of l i gas to e u a embly. rested outwardly into the housing above the 010- and fl p ed valve located in the inlet sure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling pa a e between the plunger and the tube assemthe admittance of the lifting gas into the passage and Subject to h W l l q d in the hou in and tube assembly, and a float operated valve 10- for automatically closing said passage to prevent cated in the inlet passage between the plunger admission of-gas when no liquid is present in the and the tube assembly and subject to the well housing.

liquid in the housing for automatically closing 17. A flow device including, a well tubing, a said passage toprevent admission of gas when ub r h i connected n the tubing, a lo k no liquid is present in the housing. mounted in the bore of said housing and having 14. A flow device including, a well tubing, a a lifting gas inlet passage, an admission tube astubular housing adapted to be connected in the sembly extending upwardly from the block and well tubing and having a gas inlet port, a swingcommunicating with the passage for conducting check valve mounted within the housing be- 5 ing s i 'the housing at a relatively hi h velow the inlet port for closing the bore of'the locity to create a suction above the block, means housing, an elongate sleeve mounted on the exfor by-pa ing the well liq id o h the bl k, terior of the housing and having the upper end whereby thesuction created by the gas flowing of its borecommunicating with the interior of throu h h tube assembly may i the W 11 liqthe housing through the gas inletport, an aduid through the tubing, and a spring-pressed mission tube assembly mounted within the sleeve,- p un r ha e e d e p sed to the l ftin gas means for establishing communication between for controlling the flow of gas through the inlet the lower end of the bore of the sleeve and the p ssage. interior of the housing belowthe check valve, 9. 1 A flow vice in luding, a well tubing, a jet arrangement within the assembly whereby gas tubular housing connected in the tubing, a block flowing through the assembly creates a suction mounted in the bore of said housing and having in the tubing below the check valve and causes a lifting gas inlet passage, an admission tube aswell liquid from below the check valve to flow sembly extending upwardly from the block and, through the assembly to by-pass said valve, and communicating with the passage for conducting a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the adgas into the housing at a relatively high vemittance of the lifting gas to the tube assembly. locity to create a suction above the block, means 15. A flow device including, a well tubing, a for by-passing the well liquid through theblock, tubular housing adapted to be connected in the whereby the suction created by the gas flowing well tubing and having a gas inlet port, va swingthrough the tube assembly may lift the well liqing check valve mounted within the housing beuid through the tubing, a spring-pressed plunger having one end exposed to the lifting gas for controllingv the flow of g s through the inlet passage, and a float operated valve in the gas inlet passage for closing said passage when no fluid is present in the interior of the housing.

' 19, A fluid lifting apparatus including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be'conpected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passagefor conducting the as into the tubing, said assembly having its lower end in direct communication with the interior of the well tubing, and also having its upper end communicating with the tubing a spring-pressed plunger inthe passage beyond the tube assembly for controlling the admittance oi the lifting gas through the passage and to the assembly, and a float operated valve disposed in the inlet passage between the plunger and assembly for shutting off the gas supply when the liquid in the housing falls below a predetermined level.

20, A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission of the gas into the housing for closing the bore of said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby the gas flowing through the assembly will act upon the wellliquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the admittance of the bly, and valve means located'in the inlet passage between the plunger and the tube assembly and having control means subjectto the well liquid in the housing for automatically closing said passageto prevent admission of gas when no liquid is present in the housing.

21. A flow device including, a well tubing, a tubular housing adapted to be connected in the well tubing and having a gas inlet passage, means below the point of admission housingtor closing the bore 01' said housing, an admission tube assembly within the inlet passage for conducting the gas into the tubing above the closure means, said assembly having means for establishing communication with the interior of the housing below said closure means, whereby the gas flowing through the assembly will act upon the well liquid to draw said liquid from the tubing and cause it to by-pass" the closure and flow through the assembly, means establishing communication between the assembly and tubing above the closure whereby the liquid flowing through said assembly is directed back into the tubing above said closure, a spring-pressed plunger for controlling the-admittance oi. the lifting gas to the inlet passage and tube assembly, means for connecting the plunger with the closure means, whereby said means is closed when the plunger is ina position permitting admittance 01' gas to the inlet passage, and valve means located in the inlet passage between the plunger and the tube assembly and having control means subject to the well liquid in the housing for automatically closing said passage to prevent admission of gas when no liquid is present in the housing.

ROY E. MILLICAN.

of the gas into the I 

